Managing

Moisture
in Buildings
Lee Poh Seng
Mechanical Engineering Manager
Trane Singapore
 Moisture Management
Contents

 Why manage moisture

 What are the sources of
moisture in buildings
 What are the design/
operations considerations to
manage building moisture
 Summary
 Case example
Humidity Management …
ASHRAE 62- 2001
Why Manage Moisture? Section 5.10

“High humidities can support the growth

of pathogenic or allergenic organisms... Relative
humidity in habitable spaces preferably should
be maintained between 30% and 60% to minimize
the growth of pathogenic or allergenic
organisms.”
ASHRAE-Recommended

Mildew Growth

Discomfort

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percent Relative Humidity
Why Manage Moisture?

To minimize the growth of

microorganisms, including…
 Bacteria
 Arthropods (dust mites)
 Fungi
microbial growth...
What Are These Organisms?
Ancestor Unknown

Archaea Bacteria Eukarya Viruses

(ancient, no nucleus) (no nucleus)

Plants Animals Fungi

(molds, yeasts)

Mammals Arthropods Birds Other Groups

(dust mites
cockroaches)
microbial growth...
What Harm Can They Do?
Bacteria Arthropods Fungi

Infectious Tuberculosis None Aspergilliosis

Whooping cough Athletes foot
Diseases Yeast infection

Allergen Unidentified proteins Dust mites Alternaria

from many bacteria Cockroaches Aspergillus
Sources Cladosporium

Toxic Endotoxins (asthma, None Aflatoxin (cancer)

irritation) Satratoxin (immuno-
Agents VOC (irritation, odors) suppression)
VOC (irritation, odors)
specifically, fungal growth...
Why Are Fungi Harmful?

 Can cause disease in plants and animals

 Can rot and contaminate foods
 Can destroy most manufactured goods
(except plastic and some pesticides)
 Can cause human disease (directly or via
allergens, toxins and carcinogens)
incidentally...
Mold vs Fungi vs Mildew?

 Fungi = Mold or Mildew

 Mold = visible fungal growth on surfaces
 Mildew = visible fungal growth on fabric
specifically, fungal growth...
How Does Fungi Grow?

To grow, the fungi need these ingredients...

 Food source (organic matter)
 Temperatures of 40°–100°F
 Source of spores
 Adequate sustained moisture
(liquid water or surface
relative humidity > 70% for 48 hours)
Remember...

Moisture is the easiest

ingredient to manage
Surfing the Web …
Some Fungi Sites
 http://www.wisc.edu/botany/fungi/volkmyco.html
 http://www.dehs.umn.edu/fungus/myco.html
 http://www.keil.ukans.edu/~fungi/
 http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html
 http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/bio_1.html

Also…
EPA: Tools for Schools Kit
EPA: Building Air Quality Guide
So...
Manage Moisture Because...

Microbial growth supported by building

moisture dramatically affects …
 Indoor air quality (IAQ)—occupant
health, comfort and productivity
 Cost of building operation and
maintenance—deterioration of
furnishings, building structure and
the HVAC system
and…
Minimize Microbial Growth...

 To provide consistent thermal comfort

 To reduce occupant odor complaints
 To protect occupant health
 To improve productivity
 In some buildings, to increase
rental potential and market value
Moisture Management
Contents

 Why manage moisture

 What are the sources of
moisture in buildings
 What are the design/
operations considerations to
manage building moisture
 Summary
 Case example
What are the Sources of
Moisture in Buildings?

 Liquid-water sources
 Water-vapor sources
 Condensation on cold
surfaces
Liquid-Water Sources
Outdoor Contributors

 Weather
 During the construction process
 Building-shell leaks
 Outdoor-air intakes

 Ground water
 Seeps through basement
walls and floors
Liquid-Water Sources
Indoor Contributors
 Leaks
 Leaky appliances, valves, pipes
 Accidental spills
 Envelope leaks
 Cleaning
 Wet mopping and carpet
shampooing introduces
large amounts of moisture
Water-Vapor Sources
Vapor-Pressure Diffusion

 Vapor-pressure diffusion
 Water vapor moves through solid
materials (from areas of higher
to lower moisture content)

Wp = P * A * (VPo - VPi)
Wp = diffusion moisture, gr/h
P = permeance, gr/hr/ft2/in.Hg
A = surface area, ft2
VP = vapor pressure, in.Hg
Water-Vapor Sources
People

 People
 Occupant respiration/perspiration
 Design for the anticipated
activity level (See 1997 ASHRAE Fundamental
Handbook for latent people load.)

Wo = P * 155 / 0.14 = P * 7100

Wo = people moisture, gr/h
P = number of people
155 = adult latent load, Btu/h
0.14 = water vapor energy, Btu/gr
Water-Vapor Sources
Evaporation

 Water vapor evaporates from …

 Planned (pools, aquariums,
fountains) and unplanned (leaky
pipes, condensation) wet surfaces

We = H * A (VPs - VPa) * 7000/1060

We = evaporated moisture, gr/h
H = latent heat transfer, Btu/h/ft2/in.Hg
A = water surface, ft2
VP = vapor pressure, ambient/saturated, in.Hg
Water-Vapor Sources
Combustion

 Combustion process liberates

water vapor from …
 Open flame heaters, boilers,
cooking surfaces and appliances

Wc = G * K
Wc = combustion moisture, gr/h
G = gas fire rate, ft3/h
K = combustion constant, gr/ft3
Water-Vapor Sources
Infiltration
 Moisture infiltration via airflow...
 Through cracks caused by pressures
(due to wind, stack effect, fans)
 Through open doors and
windows caused by temperatures

Wi = A * r * 60 * Va * (HRo - HRi)
Wi = infiltration moisture, gr/h
A = opening area, ft2
Va = airflow velocity, ft/m
HR = humidity ratio, gr/lbs
r = density, lbs/ft3
Water-Vapor Sources
Ventilation
 Ventilation air …
 Typically the largest source
of moisture in a building located
in humid climates

Wv = Qv * r * 60 * (HRo - HRi)
Wv = infiltration moisture, gr/h
Qv = ventilation airflow, cfm
HR = humidity ratio, gr/lbs
r = density, lbs/ft3
Moisture Management
Contents

 Why manage moisture

 What are the sources of
moisture in buildings
 What are the design/
operations considerations to
manage building moisture
 Summary
 Case example
Managing Building Moisture

Moisture intrusion must be considered in

the design and operation of buildings!

This includes …
 the building envelope
 occupied spaces
 the mechanical equipment room
 HVAC equipment
The Building Envelope
Preventing Water Vapor In Walls

 Liquid-water intrusion
 Weather barrier in exterior walls to keep the rain out
 Design the roof to drain freely and to be water-tight
 Drain ground water away from the building
 Seal all envelope penetrations

 Vapor-pressure diffusion and infiltration (especially

in humid climates)
 Use a vapor retarder on the “warm side” of the wall
 Do not use 2 vapor retarders
 Control pressure
The Building Envelope
Minimize Infiltration

In Cooling or mixed climates -

 Maintain positive building pressure

Predominately heating climates -

 Maintain neutral or slightly negative
pressure (in winter)
The Building Envelope
Vapor Retarder and Pressure

© American Standard Inc. 1998

Managing Building Moisture
The impact of moisture must be considered
in the design and operation of a building!
This includes …
 the building envelope
 occupied spaces
 the mechanical equipment room
 HVAC equipment
Occupied Spaces
Minimize Liquid-Water Sources

 Design building to be
watertight (windows, roof, etc.)
 Thoroughly dry all leaks/spills
within 24 hours
 Adequately dehumidify when
shampooing carpets
Occupied Spaces
Prevent Unplanned Condensation

 Use vapor retarder to minimize diffusion

 Eliminate unvented combustion processes
 Maintain positive pressure in cooling and
mixed climates
 Raise surface temperatures by insulating or heating
 Reduce space dew point by dehumidifying
Occupied Spaces
Continuously Remove Moisture

Two ways to
dehumidify spaces …
Occupied Spaces
Condition the Ventilation Air

Remove moisture from the ventilation air

in one of two ways…

 Desiccant dehumidification with re-cooling

 Cold coil dehumidification with re-heat

Or, in dry climates, mix high dew point

return with low dew point outdoor air
Occupied Spaces
Desiccant Dehumidification
 Desiccant material is most
commonly applied to a wheel
Heat
 Desiccant is actively Process
regenerated using heated air stream Regeneration
air stream
return or outdoor air
 Process air stream needs to
OA
be re-cooled before delivered
to the space
Occupied Spaces
Cold Coil Dehumidification

 Water vapor condenses on the

cold-coil surface and flows to a
drain pan

 At part-sensible load, dehumidified OA

air may need to be tempered
(reheated) before delivery to the
space
Occupied Spaces
Coincidental vs Active
Humidity Control

 CV system capacity typically depends upon

sensible load only—dehumidification is
coincidental and results are poor at part-load

 CV system capacity can be based on both

sensible and latent load—dehumidification is
active, results are good, but tempering is needed

 VAV systems provide good coincidental

dehumidification at part-load with little or no
tempering
Occupied Spaces
Account for All Moisture Loads

 Control indoor dew point

i.e. entryways and foyers in humid climates
 Size system for the worst-case moisture load
i.e. cool, rainy day
 Consider “abnormal” outdoor-air intake conditions
i.e. a steamy, flooded roof after a rain shower
Occupied Spaces
Control Humidity At All Times

 Significantly reduces pull-down periods

 Limits microbial and dust mite growth
 Prevents furnishings and porous materials from
“storing” moisture

Maintain <60% RH
even when building
is unoccupied
Managing Building Moisture

The impact of moisture must be considered in

the design and operation of a building!

This includes …
 the building envelope
 occupied spaces
 the mechanical equipment room
 HVAC equipment
The Mechanical Equipment Room
Prevent Condensation

 Use insulation to raise surface temperatures

 Condensate drain pipes
 Outdoor-air intakes
 Chilled and condenser water piping

 Use a vapor retarder on the warm side to

prevent condensation within the insulation
The Mechanical Equipment Room
Equipment Room Design

Equipment room pressure control can

greatly influence moisture problems:

 Negative pressurization
 Positive return-air pressurization
 Positive supply-air pressurization
Poor Solution: Negative Pressure
Result: Very High Dew Point
no vapor retarder, diffusion brings in moisture

high dew point

causes condensation
on cold spots
no outside air duct causes
negative room pressure

poor intake protection,

rain and snow can enter

no condensate line or trap,

moisture puddles on floor,
spitting causes internal flooding negative room pressure, moist-air infiltration
Better Solution: Pressurized with Return Air
Result: Reduced Dew Point
no vapor barrier, diffusion still occurs
return fan pressurizes room

reduced dew point

prevents external
condensation
rain hood on intake
prevents rain, snow entering
outside air duct prevents
negative pressure

improper trap, overflow causes internal flooding

positive room pressure creates exfiltration
Best Solution: Pressurized with Supply Air
Result: Lowest Dew Point
proper vapor retarder prevents diffusion
dry, supply air pressurizes room
and lowers dew point

return duct assures

positive pressure

proper sealing
and low dew
point prevents
internal
condensation

condensate is properly trapped

and spillage eliminated
Managing Building Moisture
The impact of moisture must be considered
in the design and operation of buildings!

This includes …
 the building envelope
 occupied spaces
 the mechanical equipment room
 HVAC equipment
HVAC Equipment
Moisture and Water Chillers

 Operating chillers have many cold surfaces

 Reduce unplanned condensation by:
 Surface heating
 Surface insulating and sealing
 Lowering the equipment-room dew point
HVAC Equipment
To Reduce Chiller Condensation …

 Heat cold surfaces,

like valve handles

 Insulate to
increase efficiency
must have a vapor
retarder on warm side

 Reduce equipment-
room dew point
pressurize with system return air or supply air
HVAC Equipment
Moisture and Air-Handling Units

 Planned sources
 Condensate collection pans
 Drain line seals

 Unplanned sources Some condensation

 External condensation is planned …
 Internal condensation some is not!

© American Standard Inc. 1998

HVAC Equipment
Condensate Drain Pans

 Size coil to limit carryover

 Slope to prevent standing water
 Drain condensate to prevent air-handler flooding
HVAC Equipment
Drain Line Seals (Traps)

 Incorrect drain seals cause most moisture-

related problems in air handlers
 “Spitting”
 Internal flooding
 The “P” trap is the most
popular drain seal
Drain pipe connection for Draw-
Through Unit

Total Trap Height T = D + H

where … D = trap depth = ½ H + d
H = air-handler casing pressure + 1 in. wg
d = drain pipe diameter
HVAC Equipment
External Condensation

 Prevent cold air leaks from Avoid external

pressurized sections
condensation
 Seal penetrations (openings
for water piping, unused
drains, electrical wiring)
 Seal joints (air-handler
sections, access doors)
 Insulate to match room
dew point (use vapor
retarder)
HVAC Equipment
Internal Condensation

 Prevent moist air leaks Avoid internal

into cold negative sections
condensation
 Seal penetrations
 Seal joints
 Lower equipment room
dew point
HVAC Equipment
Lower The Dew Point

 If room dew point is below surface

temperatures, condensation will not occur
 Air handling units will experience minimal
internal flooding and external “cold tracking”
in low dew point equipment rooms
Moisture Management
Contents

 Why manage moisture

 What are the sources of
moisture in buildings
 What are the design/
operations considerations to
manage building moisture
 Summary
 Case example
The Bottom Line...

Managing building moisture

is an essential building-design and
operational issue.
Summary...
 Consider all moisture loads and design the
HVAC system to properly dehumidify at all
conditions
 Insulate cold surfaces and apply a vapor
retarder on the warm side
 Lower the dew point by pressurizing all areas
with sufficiently dry air
Moisture Management
Contents

 Why manage moisture

 What are the sources of
moisture in buildings
 What are the design/
operations considerations to
manage building moisture
 Summary
 Case example
The Building Envelope
Check List
 Check for the Rh and Temperature for a continuous
time period (data logger may require): RH of 70% for a
long time is a good opportunity for fungus growth
 Internal sources of moisture?
 Potential building shell leak could introduce and trap rain
water
 Outdoor air path- may entrain rain droplets & carry into
the HVAC systems
 Check for the leaky pipes/valves/appliances- may travel
long distance and widespread through capillary action
 Excessive of carpet cleaning-liquid spill over the bottom
of carpet may not be able to dry out completely.
 Any water sources such as fountains/aquarium in the
spaces not part of building load calculation
The Building Envelope
Check List-continue
 Internal sources of moisture?
 Excessive boiling/cooking appliances in the spaces that
is not part of building load calculation
 Possible air infiltration into building- window/door
openings: typically this is the largest source of moisture
in building
 Any condensation forms on any cold surfaces - cold
piping/ducting?
 Any potential of water carry over from ahu’s coil to the
ducting?
 The Building Envelope
Check List-continue
 Internal sources of moisture?
 Is the space operated at the -ve pressurization: infiltration vs
exfiltration- check by feeling the air flow when standing by the
door side
 What is the current EWT/LWT of chilled water? Is it at
design & cold enough for air moisture removal? EWT
can also be lowered to achieve lower LAT
 CW valve conditions?
 What is the position of CW valve opening? Is there anymore
upside cooling potential? Q= 500x gpm x delta T
 Does the CW valves response to control signal and react properly
 What is the current SA /RA temperature? Generally 14C
and below is acceptable but 17C/88%RH is no good
The Building Envelope
Check List-continue
 OA path assessment
 potential contaminant:near to cooling tower/toilet
exhaust?
 What is the OA damper position?Opening too much
away from design will means too much OA load than
what the CW coil can handle !
 RA path assessment -
 Is the RA path blocked? Is yes, large amount of space
humid air is not dehumidify by the cooling coil!
 Is the RA path design representative & well distributed
so that the required humid air is returned to ahu coil for
dehumidification.
 Is the RA path close to toilet -air contaminant (human
bioeffluents)
The Building Envelope
Check List-continue
 Check AHU’s Cooling Coil ,Drip eliminator
humidifier, drain pan and filter conditions
 They are the sources of microbial /fungi growth
 Drain water must be flowing and no stagnate water in
any area of these components and air downstream
 Demand a regular inspection/maintenance/ cleaning for
microbial / fungi infestation
 Double wall casing provide easy cleaning!

 Check the cleanliness of AHU plant room- keep

“ neat and tidy “ not a place for storage !
The Building Envelope
Suggestion
 Strategies for moisture control
 Reset EWT lower so as to remove more air moisture
and get lower LDB air
 Run higher water flow rate to achieve lower LDB air : Q=
500 xgpm xdelta T
 Reduce the SA airflow to achieve lower LDB air .
Q=1.085xCFMx delta T without compromising the OA
ventilation rate and -ve building pressurization
 Control exhaust air fan using pressure sensor so that to
achieve +ve building pressurization (5 to10Pa)
 Re layout of RA distribution system- so a s to bring back
space’s humid air to ahu coils for moisture removal
 For a large system with many ahu serving the entire
zone, try to use a PAU unit (Fresh air ) to treat 100% OA
The Building Envelope
Suggestion
 Strategies to for more moisture removal
 For a large system with many ahu serving the entire
zone, try to use a PAU unit (Fresh air ) to treat 100%
OA. A better humidity control
Questions &
Answers